Three people charged with importing meth

Between August and September 2016, Customs officers seized five air freight consignments of methamphetamine, totalling almost 2 kgs, found hidden in a variety of goods including a golf putt box, car lights, metal cylinders, women’s high heel shoes, and a soap box amongst stacks of tattoo stickers.

Police and Customs then carried out a number of search warrants in Otahuhu, Otara and Mangere. We have now charged two men and one woman aged in their 30s with five counts of importation of methamphetamine.

Detective Sergeant Mike Hayward of the Counties Manukau Organised Crime Unit says due to some excellent work by Customs we were able to detect this offending and commence an investigation that has led to these arrests.

“Acting on information relating to manufacture and supply of methamphetamine is a priority due to the harm it continues to cause in the community.” says Detective Sergeant Hayward.

“Though the methamphetamine was concealed to try and avoid law enforcement, Customs have again shown that through vigilance and having quality systems in place significant seizures can be made. This is helping to keep New Zealanders safe.”

Customs Investigations Manager Maurice O’Brien says Customs’ risk targeting and profiling work identified and stopped these packages before they could reach their destination, and joining forces with Police led to the arrest of these individuals. It's yet another example of our two agencies combining resources for a shared outcome.

“It doesn’t matter where these packages are coming from, or what sort of goods the drugs are hidden in – Customs remains focused on disrupting the supply of methamphetamine through our work at the border, and we will continue to do everything it takes to protect New Zealanders.”